Iran Jams Shortwave Radio Broadcasting Independent Farsi News
Iran jams 15,500 kHz shortwave frequency used for independent Farsi news broadcasts.
Why it matters: Iran’s interference limits access to uncensored news, spotlighting government censorship and press freedom violations in a geopolitically sensitive region. This impedes human rights observers and international legal scrutiny.
- RSF and Radio For Peace International launched broadcasts on 15,500 kHz targeting Iran.
- Iranian authorities degrade or completely jam this frequency to block independent news.
- Broadcasts come from IranWire, an independent media outlet in exile.
- Iran ranks 177th out of 180 in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, with an 83-day internet blackout.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Radio For Peace International (RFPI) began transmitting independent news programs in Farsi on the shortwave frequency 15,500 kHz on behalf of the exiled media outlet IranWire. These broadcasts aim to provide daily news bulletins and current affairs content directly to audiences inside Iran.
However, Iranian authorities have actively interfered with these transmissions. This interference degrades sound quality in some regions and results in complete jamming in others, effectively blocking the signal and limiting access to independent information.
"The attempt to jam this frequency confirms the extent to which the Iranian authorities fear their population’s access to free and independent information," said Jonathan Dagher, Head of RSF's Middle East Desk. Such jamming aligns with Iran's broader strategy to control information flow, complementing its record-breaking 83-day nationwide internet blackout—the longest ever documented in the country.
Sylvain Clament, President of RFPI, emphasized the resilience of shortwave broadcasting: "Shortwave broadcasts are designed to remain accessible in environments where communications may be disrupted or restricted. Despite attempts at interference, we continue our broadcasting mission using techniques that render such jamming ineffective."
Iran’s low ranking—177th out of 180 countries—in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index underscores the severity of press restrictions. This ongoing censorship complicates international efforts to monitor human rights and press freedom in Iran, a country of major geopolitical concern due to its political strategy and regional influence.
By the numbers:
- 15,500 kHz — frequency targeted for independent Farsi broadcasts.
- 177/180 — Iran's position in 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
- 83 days — length of Iran’s nationwide internet blackout in 2026